Research Focus

Macrophages and dendritic cells (DC) are key players in innate immunity and inflammation. The lab is characterizing the responses of these cells to microbial components and other "danger signals", and defining the role of specific receptors expressed by these cells in antimicrobial immunity and inflammatory disease.

Research Contributions

Defined mechanisms underlying the activation of macrophages and DC following detection of bacteria, fungi and parasites by pattern recognition receptors (TLR2, TLR4 and Dectin-1).

Current investigations include:

Mechanisms of fungal detection by Dectin-1, and the role of Dectin-1 in immunity and inflammatory disease.Macrophage development and function following microbial exposure.